devolution

Question 1

what is devolution

Answer 1

• delegation of some powers from the central government (Westminster) to the regional governments or assemblies within the UK
• allows these regional governments to legislate on specific matters

Question 2

How has devolution impacted the UK government’s centralisation of power?

Answer 2

• reduced power in Westminster
• powers have been delegated to regional governments, reducing the scope of Westminster’s authority
• However, Westminster retains sovereignty meaning it could revoke or alter devolved powers if they choose

Question 3

what are the electoral systems used in the UK’s devolved regions?

Answer 3

• Scotland and Wales use the additional Member System (AMS)
• Northern Ireland uses the single transferable vote (STV)

Question 4

How many elected members are there in Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish Parliaments?

Answer 4

• Scotland: 129 members
• Wales: 60 members
• Northern Ireland: 90 members

Question 5

how often are the Scottish parliament elections

Answer 5

• The Scottish Parliament holds elections every 5 years
• The next is in 2026

Question 6

What powers does the Scottish Parliament have?

Answer 6

• Primary legislative powers over areas such as law and order, health, education, transport and the environment
• Also can vary the rate of income tax by 3p to the pound

Question 7

what was the Scotland Act 1998?

Answer 7

• Established the Scottish Parliament
• granted primary legislative powers over domestic matters

Question 8

what did the Scotland Act 2012 achieve?

Answer 8

• gave more tax-raising powers to the Scottish Parliament, e.g. the ability to raise or lower income tax by up to 10p in the pound.
• allowed the Scottish government to borrow up to £5 billion and set up its own tax authority, Revenue Scotland.

Question 9

what did the Scotland Act 2016 grant?

Answer 9

• further devolved powers
• including authority over areas such as equal opportunities, abortion law, speed limits

Question 10

what was the Government of Wales Act 1998?

Answer 10

• established the Welsh assembly
• granted secondary legislative powers in areas such as agriculture, fisheries, education, housing and highways

Question 11

what changes did the Government of Wales Act 2006 bring?

Answer 11

• allowed the Welsh Assembly to request further powers from Westminster
• gave Wales the ability to gain primary powers via referendum
• established a proper executive body, the Welsh Assembly Government

Question 12

what did the Wales Act 2014 achieve?

Answer 12

• first major transfer of tax-raising powers to the Welsh government
• including powers of stamp duty, business rates and landfill tax
• gave Wales the ability to create taxes specific to Wales

Question 13

What were the key issues surrounding Devolution for Northern Ireland?

Answer 13

• took place against violence known as ‘The Troubles’
• involved terrorist campaigns by both loyalists/unionists and republican/ nationalist paramilitary

Question 14

what was the Good Friday Agreement 1998?

Answer 14

• included a return to devolved government in Northern Ireland
• promised measures such as prisoner releases and reduction in British army in Northern Ireland

Question 15

when was the Northern Ireland Assembly suspended?

Answer 15

• suspended between 2017 and 2020
• due to the collapse of the power-sharing agreement between the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and Sinn Féin.

Question 16

positive impacts of devolution within the UK

Answer 16

• It has allowed regional political differences to be recognised: e.g., Scotland is traditionally more left-leaning and has increased income tax for high earners. So income tax rate for the highest earners to 46p in the pound for those earning over £150,000 pa compared to 45p in the rest of the UK.
• It has been popular with voters, particularly in Wales, where the 1997 and 2011 referenda showed strong support for devolution.
• It has encouraged policy innovation: with devolved governments acting as ‘legislative laboratories’ (e.g., Scotland’s 2006 ban on smoking in enclosed public spaces).

Question 17

How has devolution not worked well within the UK

Answer 17

• Inequalities in the provision and cost of public services (e.g., free university tuition in Scotland vs. fees in England).
• Demands for full independence have increased, particularly from the SNP in Scotland, undermining the unity of the UK.
• Policies such as banning smoking in public spaces or charging for plastic bags were not unique to devolved regions and would likely have been implemented by Westminster.

Question 18

what are the arguments for a full English parliament?

Answer 18

• would provide a permanent answer to the West Lothian question and EVEL (English votes for English laws)
• Would further reduce the centralisation of power in Westminster - reduce the dominance of London over UK politics.
• Devolution has worked well in other parts of the UK and an English Parliament would give England a clearer role.

Question 19

What are the arguments against an English Parliament?

Answer 19

• It would dominate the UK’s political landscape, as England has 85% of the population and generates much of the national GDP.
• There would be debates over its location and whether to decentralise more power.
• Public disinterest: A proposal for a regional assembly in the North East was rejected by 78% of voters in a 2004 referendum.

Question 20

What is the West Lothian Question and how does it relate to devolution in England?

Answer 20

• Asks why Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish MP’s can vote on English only issues in Westminster
• Issue arises as UK is divided into regions with devolved powers, but England remains centralised
• perceived inequality